Ask Billie

Thanks to you who missed this column last week, in the usual place, and those who looked for it in other parts of the Wednesday Wharton Journal- Spectator. I would like to tell you some exotic story about why it was missing, but the simple two word reason is "I goofed." It is amazing how holidays and out of town weddings change daily schedules.

An additional thanks to Benjamin Sharp and Burlon Parsons who covered my space very well. This reminds me of the wise man who once said that if there is a time we feel indispensable we should take a slow drive through the cemetery and see all those other indispensable folks. Have you made and maybe broken your New Year's resolutions? Do we as citizens make resolutions for our community? Before you say you cannot make a difference or do not want to be involved, who will do it if not you?

Moving Forward In 2008

This year, 2008, will see some big changes that we already know about. The new Wharton Elementary will be ready for our children. This will bring about changes that we must work through. The good news is that we will not have the problem of flooding. A question of concern is the added traffic on FM 1301: parents' autos, school busses and possibly kids on bicycles.

In addition, an industry has purchased the Wharton County Precinct 1 property, across from the school campus. This will be added traffic. Another entrance is being discussed, but is it moving forward? Fall 2008 is not far off.

Very soon we should be seeing work downtown that will make it much easier for our citizens who are physically handicapped to access downtown businesses. Thanks to those citizens who kept urging our city leaders to comply with ADA legislation! Everyone, citizens and businesses, will benefit. Tour bus groups are learning Wharton is a great place for a day away from the city. Have we solved the restroom problems? There are so many places for citizen involvement and every person can find a niche that will make 2008 in Wharton a super year.

Movie Has Good Message

Are you a movie buff? My friends tell me about movies they have seen and each really sounds like something I would like to do. It rarely happens because when it comes time to give up 2 hours, it doesn't seem worth it.

There is an exception ... I look forward to the release of "The Bucket List." The story is one I believe in, waste no time. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, two fine stars, are two terminal cancer patients, sharing a hospital room. One is a corporate executive and the other a blue-collar mechanic, seemingly not a lot in common. As the two men became acquainted they learned each had a long list of goals they would like to accomplish before they kicked the bucket. A break from the hospital was the only way to accomplish those things they wanted to do.

We will all have to see the movie, but the title reminds us that we don't have time to waste and maybe we need to break out of some old attitudes. Now let's relate that to our community. What do we want to happen to make this a better place to live and work before we kick the bucket? This is not a gruesome thought, but getting to know and working with each other can be fun.